randori problems

The first is my knees are too stiff. I move around with my knees almost perfectly straight. Any time I need to get down ill bend my waist or move my feet really wide.

The other problem (maybe related to the first one) is that for any forward throw I kind of skip the middle steps. I try to go straight from entry to finish. I'm basically jumping in butt first. So when I need close back to chest contact my torso is already down and away.

If your knees are straight you probably aren't up on the balls of your feet when you need to be. You also should probably place your feet more carefully before you attempt a throw. Your probably aren't even watching where you put your feet.

You might consider listening to your instructor, who has probably given you advice already.

"We often joke -- and we really wish it were a joke -- that you will only encounter two basic problems with your 'self-defense' training.
1) That it doesn't work
2) That it does work"
-Animal MacYoung

The first is my knees are too stiff. I move around with my knees almost perfectly straight. Any time I need to get down ill bend my waist or move my feet really wide.

The other problem (maybe related to the first one) is that for any forward throw I kind of skip the middle steps. I try to go straight from entry to finish. I'm basically jumping in butt first. So when I need close back to chest contact my torso is already down and away.

Would love any tips on how to fix these

Uchikomis...lots and lots. Start slowly and precisely and pick up speed as you go.

Uchikomis...lots and lots. Start slowly and precisely and pick up speed as you go.

This +100000000.

Another suggestion to practice on your own is to get a tire inner tube and secure it to something sturdy. This will also help you with your entries. I have one wrapped around my wave master to practice with.

The first is my knees are too stiff. I move around with my knees almost perfectly straight. Any time I need to get down ill bend my waist or move my feet really wide.

Knees not bent enough? Balls of Feet?

I'll tell you what the problem is you guys are worrying about **** that's inconsequential.

Just relax.

Instructors making a big deal about trivial stuff like that are doing more harm than good.

Originally Posted by Lindz

The other problem (maybe related to the first one) is that for any forward throw I kind of skip the middle steps. I try to go straight from entry to finish. I'm basically jumping in butt first. So when I need close back to chest contact my torso is already down and away.

Would love any tips on how to fix these

Probably multi-causal, going in but first is probably a combination of your opponents stiff arming and you not having enough of a kuzushi action/ gi control. Timing also is playing a big part, but there's not much you can do about that because it's an experience thing.

What you need to do is get in lots and lots of quality uchikomi and even more importantly nagekomi. For the uchikomi I wouldn't concentrate so much on techniques, but rather on kuzushi drills.

I like doing Uchikomi alone. Just doing the foot movement until it's as natural as walking. After that feels comfortable, then work on the Kuzushi. Right now you're trying to focus on too many things at once. Step here, pull here, bend there, etc etc.